This is a discussion on plain language mod help... within the New Member Hangout forums, part of the Community - Meet other Enthusiasts category; I own a 2003 wrx.... all stock... im not a car guy by any means but would like to upgrade ...

plain language mod help...

I own a 2003 wrx.... all stock... im not a car guy by any means but would like to upgrade performance...

I was told to get a Catback exhaust (borla), cold air intake, and downpipe for starters.

With that in mind, will any of these mods cause any problems for the car (and don't use that technical jargon on me please)?
Will I need to make any other changes when I do the downpipe install (Perrin Catless)?

How much of a power difference will I see with the above??

And before anyone reminds me, I know these topics have been covered...but I don't understand the technical language that is used in many of the postings....

You won't see any gain from a cold air intake, some even hurt performance. The cat-back won't give you much of a power gain but the sound alone is worth I think. The downpipe is definitely a good power mod. Maybe get upipe, downpipe and a cat back.

FORZA FERRARIBLOBEYE SYNDICATE (retired) #13

Originally Posted by Integra96

One day I hope to buy a car that is lubricated exclusively by pure manatee oil.

1. You don't have to get engine management but you'll get more power from those mods if you do. However if you go with a catless up/downpipe you'll need a cel fix, which keeps the check engine light form coming on all the time.

2. around 7-10hp for upipe, 12-15 hp for downpipe, around 5hp for the cat back.

3. The intake creates turbulent airflow around the air sensor causeing a sporadic a/f ratio. Some don't have this problem, but none of them really give you any more hp. Its better to do the intake snorkel hack and drop in a K&N panel filter (do a search you'll find information on how to do it)

4. Catless up and downpipe will interfer with any state inspection. I'm not sure how picky NY inspectors are since I live in CA but you can get a highflow catted up/downpipe which will still get you similar gains.

Last edited by cavallino333; 08-10-2005 at 02:24 PM.

FORZA FERRARIBLOBEYE SYNDICATE (retired) #13

Originally Posted by Integra96

One day I hope to buy a car that is lubricated exclusively by pure manatee oil.

in plain english, upgrading the downpipe is illegal, b/c it's tampering with emissions equipment. most of us don't care about that, so we do it anyway, but it's something to consider. the downpipe alone will free up around 10-15hp.

you'll want to get a CEL fix, or a "simulator" which are both parts that will keep a check engine light from coming on (b/c the car's computer will notice the catalytic converter is gone) the simulator will also allow you to pass emissions if your state tests with the OBDII plug, rather than the "sniffer" in the tailpipe method. that depends on your state.

don't do the CAI. I could get into it, but everyone will tell you not to bother. it won't give any real power, and can potentially make your car run worse.

the catback will be mostly a sound mod. it might free up 5hp or so at the most, but it'll be mostly for changing the sound of the car, and increasing volume. if you're interested in more power, consider doign your uppipe instead. it's cheaper, won't change the sound of the car too much (you'll hear the turbo spool up more) and will increase power and make the boost come on sooner (decreases turbo lag)

depending on your budget, you might want to consider reflashing your ECU (chipping the car) this will cost around $650, but will increase power, as well as change your computer to better utilize the freed up airflow you created with the downpipe. it's not necessary but you'll get even more power.

I'll probably stop there for now and wait till all this stuff is installed and tested before I move on. My only concern for now is the NYS Inspection but I guess I will deal with that hurdle when it comes.

Any more future suggestions to add on to the above list (easier the better)...?

Good list. the only thing i'd suggest is doing the uppipe with the downpipe. it'll save you some $$, b/c to do the DP, they'll already be in the same area working around the turbo.

otherwise, you'll pay more in labor to get back in there and do it later. the UP will add some lower end grunt, which wil lcompliment the DP's upper end grunt. you'll be surprised at how much better the car does on the highway in 4th gear with that list of mods.

remember, it'll take a tank of gas or so for the ECU to "learn" the new mods, and you to really feel the increase. there'll be some increase right away, and over the next weeks it'll keep getting faster.

otherwise, that's a serious setup! nice job dude! and good pick on the tires. the stockers suck.

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